Last week the world celebrated International Nurses Day under the theme ‘Nurses: A Voice to Lead, Nursing the World to Health.’
The day was meant to recognise nurses’ contribution to the world and show appreciation of their selfless work in addressing a wide range of health challenges.
Speaking to The Voice in an interview, Kgethololo Arthur Motlaleng, a nurse at Sidilega Private Hospital said this year’s theme was relevant because of the current Covid-19 pandemic.
Expressing his feelings about being on the frontline of the fight against covid 19, Motlaleng said.
“We are dealing with an invisible enemy.You can have the virus and not show symptoms, so you can imagine the danger and risks that we put our families through. Nursing is a risky profession, especially when dealing with airborne diseases but you just have to use protective clothing correctly and trust you won’t be a casualty. However, the good thing is my employer is providing counseling for us during this trying time for free. We hope the cases do not increase and that we have more recoveries so that our lives can go back to normal sooner,” said Motlaleng
The fear, Motlaleng revealed, is real.
“ Every time we hear about a new Covid – 19 case, you think of how many people have been in contact with the victim and you try to recall whether any of those people have been your patients” he said.
Recoveries and putting a smile on patients’ faces are what the 33- year -old nurse enjoys the best.
“I never thought I would be a nurse. I was studying BSC at the University of Botswana and dreaming of becoming a Mining Engineer but unfortunately I failed and discontinued. I then took up employment as a Special Constable and saved money to pay for tuition to study nursing,” he revealed.
Motlaleng then applied for Diploma in General Nursing with Francistown Institute of Health Services where he was enrolled to study at a cost of P18 000 per semester.”
“During my second year I got a scholarship from Masiela Trust Fund because I am an orphan and for the third and last year the government re-sponsored me and I passed with merit. Today I am a proud nurse,” he said in conclusion.